NATS Alternative

[mikeb19]

I have just failed stage 3 of the Nats recruitment process and Im gutted. I really dont want to wait a year before I can begin the whole process again. Does anyone know of any alternatives to Nats (willing to move abroad)? I have tried Eurocontrol but I was told I was 4 months too old!

Thanks for any help

Mike

[Barnaby the Bear]

Sorry either patience or self funding, or start as an ATCA with a view for further training. Alot of regional airports are training their own ATCA's.
Good luck

[Loxley]

If you speak a certain level of another language such as French, German, Spanish etc, it may be worth seeing if you can apply to them as a cadet, although I'm not sure what their minimum requirements are.

Self funding is another option if you have a friendly bank manager. All that being said, by the time you get sorted doing any of those options, it's going to be the best part of a year down the line anyway, in which case it might just be worth waiting for the NATS deadline to expire.

I believe Ireland might be short as well........!

Good Luck :ok:

[JonG]

Is the Eurocontrol age really that low?

[mikeb19]

Thanks for all the responses.

I think I may pursue the ATCA avenue. Are these jobs advertised or will I have to send out letters to the various airports?

Yes the cut off age is 25 when you start the course. Huge difference from the 35 for NATS. I only missed it by 4 months and I did try and get them to reconsider but the email back was a very blunt no!

[niknak]

Follow Barnaby's advice or think about Eurocontrol, either is a good career.

Most non NATS airports have in house training programmes and will continue to train their own for several years to come.
After a couple of years as an ATCA, you show the potential you will almost certainly get the opportunity.

Feel free to PM me.

[Widger]

Don't forget the RAF or the RN. Pay is not as good but the travel!!!!!!

[DAL208]

You rarely, if ever have to wait a year. Leave a few months, apply again (use different email for online application). HR never notice/dont really care.

[Barnaby the Bear]

Most airports will advertise on their website. I would recommend choosing a prefered employer and call and write to them.
I don't know your background, but time as an ATCA is a great way to gain a good foundation for a career as a controller.